Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Bake
Indulge in this rich and velvety Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Bake, a perfect blend of nutritious spinach and tender artichoke hearts, mixed together in a creamy, cheesy base. This casserole dish is not only a great appetizer for gatherings but also a delightful side for any meal. With its bubbly, golden cheese topping and savory flavors, it's bound to impress family and friends alike. Easy to prepare and versatile, this dish can be made ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time with your guests. Serve it warm with toasted bread or crispy tortilla chips for dipping—prepare for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen spinach, chopped
2 packages (10 ounce each, thawed and drained)
Butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Onion, chopped
1/2 cup (fresh, sautéed)
Artichoke hearts, chopped
1 can (14.5 ounce, drained)
Sour cream
16 ounces (regular or low-fat)
Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup (divided into 1/4 cup for mixture and 1/4 cup for topping)
Salt
to taste (add as needed)
Pepper
to taste (freshly cracked preferred)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Thaw the frozen spinach and cook it according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture and set aside.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until they become tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4
Stir in the drained spinach, mixing well with the onions, and remove the skillet from the heat.
5
Add the chopped artichoke hearts, sour cream, and 1/4 cup of the grated parmesan cheese to the skillet. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
6
Transfer the mixture into a prepared 1 1/2-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
7
Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.
9
Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy with your favorite dipping snacks!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Bake?
It is a rich and velvety blend of nutritious spinach and tender artichoke hearts in a creamy, cheesy base.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until it is bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.
How many packages of spinach are needed?
You will need two 10-ounce packages of frozen chopped spinach.
What is the important step for preparing the spinach?
After cooking the spinach according to package instructions, you must drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 1 1/2-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
What type of cheese is used in this bake?
Grated parmesan cheese is used both inside the mixture and as a topping.
Can I use low-fat sour cream for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifies that you can use either regular or low-fat sour cream.
How should the onions be prepared?
Sauté 1/2 cup of chopped onion in 1/4 cup of melted butter for about 5 minutes until tender and translucent.
What size can of artichoke hearts is required?
The recipe calls for one 14.5-ounce can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
How much parmesan cheese goes into the mixture?
1/4 cup of the grated parmesan is stirred into the mixture, while the other 1/4 cup is saved for the topping.
What are the best items to serve with this dish?
It is delicious when served warm with toasted bread or crispy tortilla chips for dipping.
Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for entertaining guests.
How much sour cream is needed?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of sour cream.
What seasonings are added to the bake?
Salt and freshly cracked pepper are added to taste.
Do I need to cook the artichoke hearts before adding them?
No, simply drain and chop them before stirring them into the mixture.
What is the role of butter in this recipe?
Butter is used to sauté the onions to develop their flavor and tenderness.
Is this considered an appetizer or a side dish?
It is versatile and can be served as either a great appetizer for gatherings or a delightful side for any meal.
How do I know when the bake is finished cooking?
It is ready when the mixture is bubbly and the cheese topping has turned a light golden brown.
What is the total amount of butter used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of butter.
Should the spinach be thawed before cooking?
Yes, the instructions state to thaw the frozen spinach before cooking and draining it.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients required.
Can I use fresh onions?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of fresh chopped onion.
What kind of texture does the artichoke provide?
The artichoke hearts are described as tender, adding a lovely texture to the creamy base.
Is this a difficult recipe to follow?
No, it is described as an easy recipe that is simple to prepare.
What should I do after taking the dish out of the oven?
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving it warm.
Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping?
While the recipe calls for parmesan, you could experiment, though parmesan provides the intended savory flavor and golden crust.
How much chopped onion is necessary?
You need 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
Does this dish contain any fiber?
Yes, spinach and artichoke hearts are both good sources of fiber, though specific nutritional values are not listed.